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The vivo X60 Pro+ might be the best smartphone out there for photographers – if you can find one

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The vivo X60 Pro+ might be the best smartphone out there for photographers – if you can find one

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a smartphone manufacturer put nearly all of its research and development funds into developing the ultimate camera system for its flagship device? The resulting phone might look a lot like the vivo X60 Pro+. This device, which was made in partnership with Zeiss, features a four-camera array, including ultrawide, 1x, 2x and 5x periscope camera modules, as well as LIDAR focusing and top-of-the-line optical image stabilization technology.

The vivo X60 Pro+ is a flagship smartphone and while it does lack some features you might expect from a range-topping device nowadays (such as Qi wireless charging, an ultra-high-resolution display and robust IP-ratings for dust and water resistance), the X60 Pro+ makes up for those omissions with what may very well be the best camera array on any smartphone.

Key specifications:

  • Main camera (1x, rear): 50 MP 1/1.3-inch GN1 sensor, 23mm equiv. F1.57
  • Ultra-wide (0.6x, rear): 48 MP ultra-wide gimbal camera, 14mm equiv. F2.2 (114º AOV)
  • 2x telephoto camera (2.2x, rear): 32 MP sensor, 50 mm equiv. F2.08
  • 5x telephoto camera (5.4x, rear): 8 MP sensor, 125 mm equiv. F3.4
  • Selfie cam (1/2.8″,0.8µm): 32 MP, 26mm equiv. F2.5
  • 4320p/30 fps, 2160p/60 fps, 1080p/60 fps video
  • 5-axis video stabilization, HDR10+ video recording


When it comes to where the vivo X60 Pro+ fits in the company’s lineup, and how you can get hold of one, it gets a little confusing. The X60 Pro+ is the flagship, sitting above the similarly-named X60 and X60 Pro, but there’s a new X60t Pro+ that swaps out the sensor behind the 50mm equiv. lens. All the devices were launched with different model numbers in different regions at different times, with some features and specs across regions being limited.

The device we have for review is the global version of the X60 Pro+ (model V2074), which appears to be available to purchase only through online retail platforms such as AliExpress and eBay, with prices ranging from ~$900 to $1,300. We have contacted vivo for additional information on availability, but have not received a response as of the time of publication.

Something else to keep in mind when purchasing an X60 Pro+ is that although the global version of the device does have 5G connectivity, it only supports certain bands. You can find out which 5G and LTE (4G) bands inside the X60 Pro+’s modem are supported in your region using this tool from Kimovil.


Externals

From the front, the X60 Pro+ bears a striking resemblance to Samsung’s S20 lineup, complete with a ‘punch hole’ selfie camera, curved display and and even the same button layout—a volume rocker and the power button, both one-third of the way down on the right-hand side. The frame of the device is constructed of a blue-anodized aluminum that matches the faux ‘vegan’ leather on the back of the device that, surprisingly, feels and looks almost identical to the real thing.

As with most smartphones nowadays, the first thing you’ll notice on the X60 Pro+ is the 6.56” Super AMOLED curved display. While the resolution (1080 x 2376 pixels, ~398 ppi) feels lower than what you’d expect from a $1,000+ flagship smartphone, opting for a lower resolution means the device can hit a 120Hz refresh rate and offer 1,300 nits of peak brightness, making it suitable for capturing and watching HDR10+ content (Netflix actually just approved it for HDR support). And if you think you’re concerned about the lower pixel density, don’t be. It’s nearly unnoticeable unless you’re looking extremely closely at text or UI elements and not once throughout capturing images or video did my brain recognize the discrepancy compared to the likes of my iPhone XS (~462 ppi) or a friend’s Pixel 5 (~432 ppi).

As a whole, the device feels nice in the hands. It feels substantial and the curved edges make it comfortable to hold – a welcome detail considering the phone measures in at 158.6mm x 73.4mm x 9.1mm (6.24” x 2.89” x 0.36”). This puts it in a similar size group as a Samsung S21 (not S21+) and a bit larger than the iPhone 12 Pro. I’d say I have relatively average-sized hands for someone 6′ 2″ (188cm) and I found it was usable as a single-hand device, but definitely more comfortable when interacting with it using two hands.


Internals

At the heart of the X60 Pro+ is an Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset that consists of one 2.8GHz Kryo 680 core, three 2.4GHz Kryo 680 cores, four 1.8GHz Kryo 680 cores and a single Adreno 660 GPU core. The device lacks a microSD card slot, but is available in models with either 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 solid-state storage, which come with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, respectively.

Communication specs include 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, NFC and the sole physical I/O on the device is single USB-C port on the bottom of the device (sorry, no 3.5mm headphone jack). There’s also an under-screen fingerprint sensor, an accelerometer, a gyro (which likely helps with image stabilization as we’ll get to below), proximity sensor, compass and color spectrum sensor (for adjusting the color shift of the screen based on your environment).

The device is powered by a 4,200mAh non-removable battery that offers fast charging via the USB-C connector up to 55W. I measured that 30 minutes of charging would give me about 80% battery capacity, and a further 15 minutes would finish it up. I would like to report a precise range for how long you can expect the battery life to last on a given day, but the reality is it varies greatly on how you’re using the device and what features you have turned on/off.

On days when I was shooting photos and video from a full charge, the phone would last for about four hours of on-display time, which I found impressive considering the amount of processing power required to capture such high-resolution photos and video. When going about more casual usage, such as browsing my RSS feeds, scouring Reddit and watching YouTube videos, the phone would easily hit six hours of on-display time and last throughout an entire day and halfway through the next before needing to be charged.


Software

With the internal hardware out of the way, let’s cover the operating system and software. The international version of the X60 Pro+ runs on Funtouch 11.1, which is vivo’s custom skin for Android 11.1 While there are some benefits to vivo’s Funtouch OS, such as the proprietary camera app that makes the most of all the camera components that I’ll dig into below, the system is loaded with vivo-branded bloatware, including a default wallpaper app that displays images that are actually not-so-discreet advertisements, which you’ll find out if you accidentally tap on the wallpaper on the lock screen.

However, if you remove the bloatware from view, delete all the apps that can be deleted and choose your own wallpaper, the experience is not all that different from stock Android 11, which is very decent overall.

A trio of screenshots showing the first-party camera app user interface (and the plethora of camera modes).

As for the first-party camera app, it is easily the most comprehensive camera app I’ve come across. So much so it’s almost overwhelming at first. However, that’s to be expected when you consider this device is effectively four point-and-shoot cameras in one with plenty of software-powered capture modes to boot.

Upon first opening the camera app, you’ll see six capture modes displayed at the bottom: High Resolution, Night, Portrait, Photo, Video and Pro. Six modes weren’t enough though apparently, so under a seventh ‘More’ tab, you’ll further find eleven more capture modes, including: Panorama, Live Photo, Slo-mo, Timelapse, AR stickers, Supermoon, Doc (a built-in document scanner mode), Astro Mode, Pro Sports, Long Exposure and Double Exposure.


Camera modules

vivo hasn’t held back when it comes to stating the photographic capabilities of its X60 Pro+ smartphone. The phrase ‘Professional Photography’ is printed on the top of the device and the camera bump is emblazoned with details and specifications of the onboard camera modules. This might seem like overkill for a smartphone, but vivo has the hardware – not to mention the partnership with Zeiss – to back up its marketing material.

A close-up shot of the main (1x, wide) camera module with the 2x and 5x telephoto modules below.

The main (1x, wide) camera on the X60 Pro+ is a 23mm (full-frame equivalent) F1.57 lens with a 1/1.31″ Samsung S5KGN1 sensor (1.2µm pixels) behind it. It features dual-pixel phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and sensor-shift image stabilization.

A close-up shot of the Zeiss and T* branding, with the ultrawide camera module behind it.

The 48MP ultrawide camera is a 14mm (full-frame equivalent) F2.2 camera module powered by Samsung’s half-inch IMX598 sensor (0.8µm pixels). It features advanced sensor-shift stabilization technology that vivo refers to as ‘Gimbal Stabilization 2.0.’

A close-up shot of the 2x and 5x periscope camera modules, complete with the Zeiss Vario-Tessar branding and LED flash array.

The 2x camera module uses a 1/2.8″ Samsung S5KGD1 sensor (0.8µm pixels) and is a 50mm full-frame equivalent F2.08. The 5x periscope camera module offers a 125mm full-frame equivalent focal length and uses an 8MP OmniVision OV08A10 sensor. The front-facing selfie camera uses the same 32MP S5KGD1 sensor from Samsung and offers a 24mm full-frame equivalent experience with an F2.45 aperture.


Still photos

So, we know the X60 Pro+ is no slouch in the specifications department, but does that translate to real-world usage? Absolutely.

Due to the sheer number of shooting modes the smartphone has to offer, the first party camera app is a little overwhelming to use at first. But with a few hours of familiarization, it becomes fairly intuitive and easy to get from one shooting mode to another.

One of the stand-out shooting modes of the X60 Pro+ is its Portrait mode. In addition to Zeiss’ signature T* coating on the lenses in the camera modules, which helps to dramatically reduce ghosting and flares, vivo also partnered with Zeiss to create a custom simulated bokeh effect, which results in background blur effect emulating the look of the Zeiss Biotar lens.

As for the accuracy of the depth map, I found the X60 Pro+ was proficient at distinguishing the subject from the background. Compared to an iPhone 11 Pro and a Pixel 5, the vivo was always the fastest to focus on the subject and overall tended to have the most accurate matte, particularly on tricky areas like hair.

Compared to an iPhone 11 Pro and a Pixel 5, the vivo was always the fastest to focus on the subject and overall tended to have the most accurate matte, particularly on tricky areas like hair.

Another standout stills mode onboard the vivo X60 Pro+ is its Night Time mode. Considering the 1x camera module features a (relatively) large 1/1.31“ sensor (1.2µm pixels) inside and sensor-shift image stabilization, Shots taken using the Night Time capture mode are impressive. As visible in the below comparison, the X60 Pro+ captures far more detail than the iPhone 11 Pro, which is no slouch. Colors do come out more saturated than I’d personally like to see, but overall the amount of light it can pull from a scene that’s nearly completely dark to the human eye is outstanding.

vivo has also included a dedicated Macro mode that can either be turned on automatically when it detects a close subject or activated manually when in the ‘Pro’ shooting mode. Images captured in the Macro mode appear less sharp than non-macro images, but it offers a decent magnification ratio with respectable images as a result. Below is a gallery of macro shots taken with the X60 Pro+ in various scenes:

The last capture mode I spent a good time poring over is the X60 Pro+’s High Resolution mode. When shooting in High Resolution, you can use the ultrawide, 1x and 2x camera modules, which will yield 48MP, 50MP and 32MP, respectively. You can also use an even higher 100MP mode when using the 1x camera module, which provides a respectable improvement over the 50MP capture mode.

Below is a gallery of images captured with the X60 Pro+’s High Resolution modes from each camera module, as well as comparison photos captured with an iPhone 11 Pro at the same location:

As for your day-to-day captures with the standard (auto) capture modes, the X60 Pro+ delivers. Switching between cameras is simple and the versatility is great. Personally, it feels as though vivo goes a little too hard with the contrast and saturation on its straight-out-of-camera JPEGs, but that’s not uncommon to see with most smartphones. One area where vivo hasn’t seemed to go overboard with is noise reduction; while you can tell some is being used, particularly in low-light scenes, the ‘watercolor effect’ isn’t nearly as pronounced in images shot with the X60 Pro+. Below is a collection of images captured in four scenes (each with very different lighting), with each of the four camera modules:


Video capture

As with stills, the X60 Pro+ has a lot to offer in the video department. While its overall video quality is great and on par with other flagships at this time, its stabilization performance is what sets it apart from its contemporaries.

Specifically, vivo uses what it calls ‘Gimbal Stabilization 2.0’ in the ultrawide camera module, which appears to be a sensor-based stabilization array that, as its name suggests, offers gimbal-like stabilization performance. In the 1x and 2x camera, vivo also uses sensor-shift stabilization, but the stabilization isn’t nearly as capable as the setup found on the ultrawide module.

As seen in the video comparison above, the X60 Pro+ offers an array of stabilization modes depending on the camera module and resolution you’re using. When shooting 4K video (either 30 fps or 60 fps), you have sensor-based stabilization for the ultrawide, 1x and 2x camera modules. When dropped down to 1080p, you have the option to use what vivo calls ‘Ultra Stabilization’ for the ultrawide and 1x camera modules. vivo doesn’t specify the difference between these modes, but based on our testing, it appears as though ‘Standard Stabilization’ uses only the physical sensor-shift stabilization while the ‘Ultra Stabilization’ uses both the sensor-shift and digital image stabilization.

The X60 Pro+ can also record 8K video at 30 fps with both the 1x and 2x camera modules. You don’t have any image stabilization or other fancy features during 8K recording and I did notice the live view display would sometimes drop frames during recording, but the resulting footage looks solid in well-lit environments. That said, considering the incredible quality of the 4K video the X60 Pro+ can capture, I’d suggest avoiding 8K video unless you absolutely need the resolution for whatever reason.


Final thoughts

The X60 Pro+ is an intriguing device from vivo. It lacks a few features we’ve come accustomed to seeing in flagship devices (most notably a high-resolution display and Qi charging), but in exchange you get perhaps the most impressive camera array on any smartphone we’ve seen to date.

Is it worth the ~$1,200 or so it costs to get your hands on one in most markets? As is often the case, it depends. If you can get over the lack of wireless charging, the inability to add more storage and the bloatware that comes with its FunTouchOS, the answer is, without a doubt, yes. Simply put, there’s nothing like it out there right now. However, those are some big caveats, especially if you live in North America, where it’s 5G connectivity is limited for now to T-Mobile’s n41 (2.5GHz) band.

In the month or so I’ve been using the X60 Pro+, more often than not, I’ve found myself leaving my larger dedicated cameras behind and slipping the X60 Pro+ into my pocket alongside my personal iPhone XS. The results might lack the image quality of a dedicated stills or video camera when examined in detail, but with the X60 Pro+ I genuinely feel as if I’m carrying a respectable hybrid camera, a set of primes and gimbal, all in a device that’s smaller and thinner than the owner’s manual that came with my Canon EOS R.


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Ulanzi’s 52mm MagFilter Magnetic Filters offers interchangeable filters for smartphones

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Ulanzi’s 52mm MagFilter Magnetic Filters offers interchangeable filters for smartphones


Image: Ulanzi

Lens filters for smartphones are not a new concept. Designed to give photographers more creative and technical control over their images, there are several types on the market today that can control how much light comes into the camera, reduce reflections and flare or add more vibrancy to your images with different color tones.

Up until a few years ago, photographers wanting to add a physical filter to a smartphone would need to attach a clamped filter that sits at the top of the phone’s camera lenses or use a third-party smartphone lens with filters.

Although useful, clamps tend to be bulky and aren’t always the easiest to align with your camera. Third party lenses offer more accuracy, but good-quality options can cost in excess of $100, without the inclusion of filters.

Ulanzi aims to be different by offering a lightweight foldable adapter ring that snaps on to the center of your MagSafe compatible device or case, which the manufacture says leads to a quicker workflow and more accurate alignment of the filter to the camera lens on the back of the phone. On an iPhone 14 or 15 it works by magnetically attaching to the rear using Apple’s MagSafe attachment system.

For users without an iPhone, there are workarounds through the use of third-party smartphone cases with magnetic ring plates that emulating MagSafe. WIth such a case, you can attach Ulanzi’s adapter to the ring plate and use the filters as normal.

As we reported last week, the concept isn’t new. Tiffen recently released a similar product with its MagSafe 58mm Filter Mount. Both products approach a solution to adding filters in a similar manner but differ in design. The Ulanzi opts for compactness with a foldable design.

The Tiffen comes with one polarizing filter (you can buy other filters separately) at around $40. In contrast, the Ulanzi’s version comes as a kit for $219 with an ND filter, a polarizing filter, one soft focus filter and a selection of color effect filters. There’s a storage case as well. Having multiple filters packed in may be enticing to users seeking to experiment with different filters and want the simplicity of having them all packaged together.


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Tamron announces 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Nikon Z mount

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Tamron announces 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Nikon Z mount


Image: Tamron

Tamron has announced it will release its popular 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 fast standard zoom for Nikon’s Z-mount.

Nikon already sells a 28-75mm F2.8 with an optical formula and calculated MTF charts that are a match for Tamron’s original, stepper-motor driven 28-75mm F2.8 Di III RXD. The newer, linear-motor-driven G2 model features improved optical performance.


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The G2 uses a more complex 17 element / 15 group design and has a fractionally shorter minimum focus distance (18cm/7.1″ vs 19cm/7.5″) to deliver very slightly increased maximum magnification. The G2 is also a fraction lighter than the Nikon-branded 28-75mm, weighing 550g (19.4oz), rather than 565g (19.9oz). On the E-mount versions, Tamron claimed the VXD linear motor design was twice as fast as the RXD version.

The focal length range makes the 28-75mm a wide to short-telephoto lens for Nikon’s full-frame Z-mount cameras but could, in principle, be used as a 42-113mm equivalent on DX APS-C bodies, if you wished.

Click here to see the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 G2 gallery shot on Sony E-mount

The announcement adds a more affordable option for Nikon’s Z-mount users, but the hope has to be that, letting Tamron compete against its own-brand lenses, might also indicate some relaxation of Nikon’s restrictions around the mount. As the footnotes make clear, this lens is “developed, manufactured and sold under the license agreement with Nikon Corporation.”

The Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD will be available from April 18th at an MSRP of $999. This is $100 more than the E-mount version and a match for the current price of the Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8. It’s $200 below Nikon’s launch price for the Nikkor version.

TAMRON announces the launch of fast-aperture standard zoom lens for “Nikon Z mount system”

28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A063) for Nikon Z mount

March 27, 2024, 11pm ET / 8PM PT, Commack, NY – Tamron announces the launch of the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A063), a fast-aperture standard zoom lens, for Nikon Z mount full-frame mirrorless cameras1. The lens will be available April 18, 2024, at $999 USD / $1399 CAD.

The 28-75mm F2.8 G2 is compact and easy to use yet has excellent optical performance and is compatible with the latest digital cameras with increasingly high pixel resolution. The AF drive uses a linear motor focus mechanism VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) that is fast, highly accurate and quiet. The lens also excels at close-up shooting, achieving an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 7.1” (0.18m) at the wide end and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7. Additionally, the lens design takes operability into consideration by including a coating with excellent scratch resistance on the barrel of the lens and a rubber focusing ring for a comfortable, secure grip among other features.

TAMRON pioneered the category of compact fast-aperture standard zoom lenses for mirrorless models. Now the 28-75mm F2.8 G2 will be available for Nikon Z mount as the ideal everyday lens for Nikon full-frame mirrorless camera users.

Product highlights

1. Best image quality in the standard zoom lens class

The new zoom leverages the latest design expertise and comprises an optical construction with 17 elements in 15 groups. Two optimally arranged LD (Low Dispersion) and GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements control optical aberrations to the highest degree. The lens provides high-resolution performance from edge-to-edge and corner-to-corner over the entire zoom range, even at wide open aperture. In addition, the soft, beautiful, round bokeh that can be achieved with a fast-aperture lens adds a distinctive dimension, especially to portraits. The overall compact size and high performance can be used advantageously with top-class, ultra-high-resolution mirrorless cameras.

2. Fast, quiet VXD linear motor for high-speed and high precision autofocus

The AF drive system employs TAMRON’s VXD linear motor focus mechanism. The high-speed, high-precision AF is exceedingly responsive and provides dependable and accurate focusing performance from MOD to infinity, despite the fast F2.8 aperture. The lens delivers excellent focus tracking of moving objects, so you are always ready for fast action. Additionally, the focus motor is quiet, so it’s ideal for shooting both still images and video in situations that demand low noise.

3. Lightweight and compact

The 28-75mm F2.8 G2 is a fast-aperture standard zoom lens with a remarkably compact and lightweight design, just 4.7” (119.8mm) long. The maximum diameter is 75.8mm and it weighs only 19.4 oz. (550g). Filter size is 67mm. With a size that’s easy to carry and a light weight that’s well-suited for handheld shooting for extended periods, the 28-75mm F2.8 G2 will surely become your favorite zoom for travel, street shooting, everyday carry, and spontaneous photo opportunities.

4. MOD of 7.1” (0.18m) at the wide end and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7 for creative close-ups

The 28-75mm F2.8 G2 features an MOD of 7.1” (0.18m) at the wide end. The working distance shrinks to around 1.7” (4.4cm) when used at MOD. Because the maximum magnification ratio is 1:2.7, you can get close to your subject for wide macro photography, enabling powerful visual impact with the subject positioned large in the frame while keeping a wide view of the background.

5. TAMRON Lens Utility™ expands the possibilities of still photography and video shooting

The 28-75mm F2.8 G2 is compatible with the dedicated TAMRON Lens Utility software developed in-house by TAMRON that empowers users to easily update the lens to the latest firmware without going through the camera2 and includes functions to support focusing operations and other actions when shooting still images or video. By utilizing a wide range of functions3, users can expand the breadth of expression in still images and video. For example, A-B Focus allows users to limit focusing to two pre-selected focus points, shifting focus from one subject to the other with just a click of the Focus Set Button. Users can also choose between Linear and Non-Linear, which affects how the focus shifts during manual focusing.

6. Enhanced overall lens design for user-friendly operation

Every individual part of the lens has been carefully scrutinized, right down to the fine details, resulting in an enhanced design that optimizes both operability and ergonomics. The surface of the lens exterior is glossy black. Improved abrasion resistance makes the lens barrel harder to scratch and resists fingerprints. Additionally, the grip performance has been improved. The smoothly curved, elegant surface of the brand ring creates a dignified appearance with a design that signifies functional beauty and high quality.

7. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating provide extra protection

1. The lens for Sony E-mount previously launched on October 28, 2021.

2. To connect your PC and lens, use the TAMRON Connection Cable (USB Type-A to Type-C/ Model CC-150, or USB Type-C to Type-C/ Model CC-350) sold separately. To connect your smartphone and lens, use the TAMRON Connection Cable (USB Type-C to Type-C/ Model CC-350) sold separately. Lens firmware updates are not supported with the Mobile version. Performing firmware updates requires the TAMRON Lens Utility for PC and a computer.

3. The ring function (Focus/Aperture) is not supported for Nikon Z mount.

Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 specifications

(Length and weight refer to E-mount version)



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Sony announces major firmware upgrades for a1, a9 III, a7S III and a7 IV

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Sony announces major firmware upgrades for a1, a9 III, a7S III and a7 IV


Photo: Dan Bracaglia

Sony has announced major firmware updates for four of its current full-frame range, bringing many features and behaviors up to its latest standards and adding C2PA authenticity verification capabilities.

Sony a1 f/w v2.00

Firmware v2.00 for the Sony a1 is perhaps the most extensive, adding features that have appeared in other models in the three-and-a-bit years since it was launched, such as the lens breathing compensation function. It also adds a handful of new features and modifications of behavior, including an option to ensure the EVF remains on, regardless of the LCD position, and relay playback of images across multiple media. Among the extensive list of additions an updates are features such as Timecode Sync, previously only available in Sony’s Cinema Line cameras.

A series of FTP options, including SFTP support are also added.

The firmware doesn’t activate the C2PA function – which not only authenticates the camera and date/time but also that the photo is of a 3D subject, not a photo of a photo – but instead adds the capability to the camera. Once installed, users need to activate a separate license via the Creators’ App to use the function.

Sony a7S III f/w v3.00

Firmware v3.00 brings many of the updates seen in the a1, including Timecode Sync, breathing compensation and relay playback. It also adds the ability to close the mechanical shutter when the camera is turned off, to mitigate dust ingress, and the ability to transfer Raw files to smartphones.

In addition to the C2PA capability, firmware v3.00 includes the ability to add DCI 4K 24p shooting. Again a license needs to be downloaded to a camera running the new firmware to actually activate the function.

Sony a7 IV f/w v3.00

As one of the most recently updated cameras on this list, the a7 IV gains fewer features than the other cameras here. But in addition to C2PA capability, it adds network streaming, direct cloud upload support and an expansion of the features accessible via software development kit (SDK).

Sony a9 III f/w v2.00 [Expected April 9th]

As the newest of the cameras here, the a9 III receives fewer additions and updates than the a1 and a7S III, as in many instances they are gaining the features that the latest a9 introduced. However, in addition to details such as outputting lens names in video file metadata, the a9 III gains the promised ability to use the camera’s full shutter speed range when continuous shooting. But beyond this, the a9 III gains a small array of feature expansions and refinements being added across the four cameras, including the ability to extract stills from video capture, to take advantage of its lack of rolling shutter.

{PressRelease}

Sony Electronics Delivers Firmware Updates including C2PA Compliancy as a Next Step to Ensure Authenticity of Images

SAN DIEGO, March 27, 2024 – Today, Sony Electronics delivers the highly anticipated firmware updates for the Alpha 1 (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 7S III (Ver. 3.00), Alpha 7 IV (Ver. 3.00), and after April 2024, the Alpha 9 III (Ver.2.00). The update contains some of Sony’s most impactful technology, including Camera Authenticity Solution, the proprietary in-camera digital signature and C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) format support1. Together, these tools will make it possible for news agencies to ensure the authenticity of images, contributing to industry efforts to protect creators, and society from fake imagery.

Additionally, the firmware updates include many requested features to improve everyday use. The update evolves shooting functions and post-shooting workflow and brings advanced movie features like breathing compensation. It also includes new remote-control capabilities, new features for professional applications, and expanded access to cloud services applications.

“There is nothing more core to our mission than listening to the voices of the photographers, videographers, and filmmakers who shoot with Sony Alpha cameras. We know this community has been asking for these updates, and we’re happy to deliver. Each of these updates are designed to promote ease of use for our creators and allow them to maximize the strengths of their cameras,” says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We’re especially pleased to deliver C2PA compliancy with this update. This compliancy paired with our unique digital signature technology, allows us to offer the most secure and comprehensive solution to protect professional photographers, news agencies, and society from manipulated imagery.”

Camera Authenticity Solution

Last year, Sony announced its commitment to developing technology in its cameras to aid in the fight against manipulated imagery and AI-generated fakes. The severity of this issue is only increasing and it’s a complex problem that requires the focus and attention of our entire industry.

One critical part of the solution is making more Sony cameras C2PA compliant. C2PA is a Joint Development Foundation project, where Sony is a steering committee member. C2PA aims to develop an end-to-end open technical standard to provide publishers, creators and consumers with opt-in, flexible ways to understand the authenticity, and provenance of different types of media. The C2PA is a standards-setting body that will develop technical specifications on content provenance and authentication by certifying the source and history of media content. With this firmware update, the authenticity information embedded on images from Alpha 1, Alpha 9 III, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 7 IV can be maintained from capture through publication. This provides professional photographers with the ability to preserve their digital signature from the camera, while tracking the editing history throughout revisions.

Another critical component of the solution is Sony’s in-camera digital signature technology2 that signs images in real-time. This new feature certifies the authenticity of an image at the point of capture and creates a ‘digital birth certificate’ that is retained throughout revisions. The signature contains metadata including 3D-depth information captured through the proprietary technology in the image sensor developed by Sony. This depth information can show if the image captured was of an actual 3D object, vs a photograph of an image or video, providing an extra level of protection and even more assurance of the content’s authenticity, and making Sony’s solution especially unique for photojournalists and news agencies.

Sony’s solution also helps protect the authenticity of content by including an Image Validation Site, which verifies the image even after edits have been made by C2PA-compliant editing software. This service confirms the authenticity of the photo was taken by a specific camera and that the object of the photo is 3D. This service will initially be offered to select news media agencies, expanding to other agencies at a later date.

Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution overview diagram
Example image of 3D Image verification

Shooting and Playback Updates

The firmware updates include over 10 new features, as well as improvements to existing features, designed to improve the user’s overall shooting experience. These improved capabilities showcase Sony’s commitment to continuing to evolve the functionality of Sony’s existing camera models. A few highlights of the firmware update functions include:

  • Relay Playback: Enables seamless sequential playback from one memory card slot to another on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III.
  • Playback Filter Condition: Lets users categorize image playback based on select criteria including date, folder, file format, and more on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III
  • Breathing Compensation: The highly requested Breathing Compensation function3 is now available on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
  • Upgrade DCI 4K / 24.00p Upgrade License on Alpha 7S III: via a free downloadable license through Creators’ Cloud4.
  • Sync Release function: Enables simultaneous shutter release with two or more multiple cameras connected to the main camera5 on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 III.
  • Focus frame display: Focus frame will be displayed on the Remote Camera Tool screeniii on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 III.
  • Enhanced image stabilization: The camera body and lens effectively work together to correct larger blurs6 on the Alpha 1.
  • Increased upper limit of recordable images in a folder from 4,000 to 9,999 on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, A7 IV, and Alpha 9 III.
  • Matching the time code with other devices is now possible with a dedicated adapter cable (sold separately)7 on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
  • Up to 20 IPTC presets can be on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
  • Custom Grid Line is available as a paid license basis for some models8.

File Transfer and Network Connectivity

Additional updates aimed to optimize the post-production workflow efficiency include improvements to International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) preset and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) transfer operability. To streamline processes for users, expanded cloud upload and application services will be available. Key updates include:

  • Cloud upload (camera direct) function allows users to upload images directly to the Sony’s Creators’ Cloud9. Key additional features include simplified camera software updates, direct camera registration to the Creators’ Cloud, and a flexible system for uploading, storing, and sharing content. Additionally, the capability to manage video and LUT files via mobile apps, along with the transfer of RAW files to smartphones, optimizes the creative process in fast-paced environments.
  • FTP Transfer Improvements: A “Protected Images Only” option for the Auto FTP Transfer and a “Protect Image in FTP Transfer” option for the FTP transfer function have been added. Available on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III.
  • Support for USB streaming10 on the Alpha 1.
  • Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) has been added to secure protocol on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III and WPA3-SAE is now supported for wireless LAN on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
  • Network streaming enables direct live streaming from the Alpha 7 IV to a streaming sitevii.
  • Expansion of app support with Creators’ App and Monitor & Control app now supported with the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.

Many of these updates are applicable to multiple cameras, however for a list of each body’s specific update please check the Sony website.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with Sony’s imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony α – Alpha brand.

1. This feature is available to some news organizations at the press release timing.
2. Both Sony’s in-camera digital signature technology and C2PA compliancy are currently available through a separate upgrade license.
3. For compatible lens information, please refer to the support page (https://www.sony.net/dics/breathing/)
4. For regional app/service availability, check here. To use this service, it is necessary to download and install the upgrade license.
5. Remote Camera Tool Version 4.1.0 is required to activate the function.
6. For compatible lens information, please refer to the support page (https://www.sony.net/dics/func1002/)
7. A dedicated adapter cable, which is sold separately, is required to connect to the timecode source equipment.
8. Availability varies depending on country and region. Available through the Upgrade and License Management Suite at https://ulms.sony.net.
9. For regional app/service availability, check here. Creators’ App Ver.2.3.1 or later is necessary. Settings must be made in the Creators’ App in advance. For more information, please visit the Creators’ App support website (https://www.sony.net/ca/help/opr/)

10. When connecting to a device with a USB Type-C port, please use a commercially available USB cable or a conversion adapter.

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